Planning a Visit?
The friendly citizens of Rushville encourage you to explore their area! Rushville is located in the land of the Old West influenced by Indians, cowboys and homesteaders. Today, descendants of cattle barons, cowboys, sodbusters, Indian chiefs and great warriors keep the spirit of the Old West alive.
Rushville offers visitors a safe, friendly and inexpensive base for visiting nearby attractions, an ample selection of local attractions and family oriented community recreation. Rushville also provides visitors with a variety of restaurants, motels and campgrounds.
Fishing and Hunting
Fishing and hunting is available throughout the area. Sandhills fresh water lakes teem with bass, crappie, sunfish, perch and pike. Waterfowl season finds these same lakes covered with ducks and geese. The Sandhills provide cover for prairie chicken and grouse while the farmlands are the home to a transplant from China, the pheasant. Native herds of both mule and white tail deer as well as antelope can be found throughout the area. Wild turkey can be hunted in the Pine Ridge area and along the Niobrara River. Contact the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission for more detailed information about fishing and hunting. For more information on local hunting opportunities, e-mail us at rushcity@gpcom.net.
Historic Buildings
Rushville is home to numerous historical buildings including the Sheridan County Courthouse built in 1904, and Gourley Opera House/Plains Theater built in 1914. Both are on the National Registry of Historic Buildings. The courthouse has been refurbished to enhance its original beauty and the opera house/theater is in the process of becoming a performing arts center.
Nebraska Sandhills
The largest grass covered dune sand formation in the world, the sandhills are home to the cattle baron, the cowboy and the homesteader. It is also the location of confrontations between homesteaders and the open range ranchers. For more information, visit the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission.
Niobrara River
A popular canoeing river, the Niobrara is a scenic river that is the northern boundary of the Sandhills and the southern boundary of the croplands. The Niobrara River is the “Running Water” in the award winning biography of Old Jules by Sheridan County author, Mari Sandoz. For more information on canoe trips, e-mail us at rushcity@gpcom.net.
Photography
Photographers can expect to find a plethora of photo opportunities throughout the area. Rolling sand dunes, pine covered hills and Native American culture are just a few of the more popular subjects enticing even the most casual photographer.
Pine Ridge
The Pine Ridge is a landform located 10 miles north of Rushville consisting of sandstone cliffs and pine studded canyons offering breathtaking views and harboring wildlife such as wild turkey, white tail and mule deer.
Pine Ridge Sioux Indian Reservation
The Pine Ridge Reservation is less than 30 minutes from Rushville. Pine Ridge is the land of the Oglala Sioux and Crazy Horse. You will find Pow Wows, Rodeos, the Red Cloud Art Gallery and the Prairie Winds Casino. Stay in Rushville and explore the historic sites and the culture of the Lakota Sioux Indian Tribe.
The Sheridan County Historical Society
The Sheridan County Historical Society operates the 1890 Armstrong House Museum, located at Highway 20 and Nelson Avenue, which is dedicated to preserving area history. The museum is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and by appointment by calling (308) 327-2917.
Sheridan Livestock Sale Barn
The Sheridan Livestock Salebarn, located on Sale Barn Road, holds a livestock auction every Wednesday. Here you will find the modern day cowboy and Native American ranchers from the Pine Ridge Reservation in a modern setting.
Shopping
Rushville has a variety of unique antique, craft and Native American shops in addition to standard shopping services. For specific information, please view our business directory.
Smith Lake
Smith Lake, located 25 miles south of Rushville, is designated as a special-use area and has recreational facilities in addition to hunting (in season), fishing and motorboating.
Walgren Lake
Walgren Lake, a state recreation area 14 miles southwest of Rushville, has complete camping and picnicking facilities, rest rooms, drinking water, rowboating, fishing and swimming.
City Park
The city park in Rushville covers approximately 25 acres and has an indoor swimming pool, baseball field, football field, softball fields and picnic area. A lighted walking trail and playground afford safe family fun days and nights.
Golf
Enjoy Sand Ridge, our beautiful new nine-hole, grass-greens golf course. For more information, call (308) 327-2966.
Miscellaneous
The area also has facilities for swimming, tennis, volleyball, fishing, hunting, skating, bowling, boating and a roping arena.
Lodging
Antlers Motel
East Highway 20
(308) 327-2444
20 units, direct dial phones, free cable TV, microwaves and refrigerators.
Nebraskaland Motel
East Highway 20
(308) 327-2277
15 units, 3 kitchenettes, exercise/game room, Jacuzzi and picnic area with grill.
Campground
Rushville Service & Sport
West Highway 20
(308) 327-2375
Hook-ups for 7 camper/recreational vehicles with water, electricity and dump station.